PRINCESSSEHOF - NATIONAL CERAMICS MUSEUM

The museum is housed in a superb ^17th-century palace, which in the ^18th century was the residence of Maria Louise van Hessen-Kassel, widow of Willem Friso, Prince of Orange and Stathouder of Friesland. It was also the birthplace of the famous graphic artist M.C. Escher in 1898. Spread over 3 buildings linked by ingenious transparent bridges, the Princessehof National Ceramics Museum has been completely renovated and modernized by architect Marten Atsma, in collaboration with Wim Crouwel. The collection includes - among others - Japanese works, but it is the Chinese ceramics that are most impressive. This is presented historically, dating back to the ^3rd millennium BC. On the first floor, the superbly decorated Princess Dining Room showcases fine Chinese porcelain. The European wing focuses on Delft and Wedgwood ceramics. The attic rooms, with their period wooden beams, are also well worth a visit. The museum boasts the world's largest collection of earthenware tiles, with pieces from Spain, France, Italy, Turkey and Iran. Dutch Art Nouveau and Art Deco are also featured. In the basement, an area with a creative workshop is specially reserved for children. The collection is complemented by temporary exhibitions. After your visit, stop off at the charming tearoom and store.